(Newser)
–
An American tourist vacationing in the Caribbean with his family was medically evacuated to Florida Friday after being shot outside his resort in what police are investigating as an attempted robbery. According to WTVM, Kevin Newman of Alabama was found on a street near his hotel on Providenciales island in the Turks and Caicos archipelago. Newman was treated at a nearby hospital before being transported via air ambulance to Fort Lauderdale, where he was in serious condition, reports ABC News. Wife Tiffany issued a statement saying her husband had his right kidney removed. Though he is still on a ventilator, she says he is doing better. "I am so thankful and relieved he is here!"

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force commissioner says increased police presence is out in full force around the area and across parts of the archipelago. The commissioner asked locals to come forward with any information regarding the crime, saying such offenses "are causing harm to the local community and those who visit the Islands.” Friends and family of the Newmans have set up a GoFundMe page to help alleviate medical costs. Kevin Newman is expected to be air-lifted to a hospital closer to home once he's stable enough to travel.